Villa dreams of a repeat, Borzanese wants to return to greatness

by Federico Prati Seven titles on the line in the second semifinal between Borzanese and Villa Minozzo in the 73rd Mountain Tournament. Today in Carpineti (6:30 p.m.) a fascinating and prestigious matchup will take place between reigning champions Villa Minozzo and Borzanese, almost always seasoned in the finals, who returns to the same venue two years after their last semifinal. A long-distance duel will be played between young trainer Filippo Canovi from Minozzo, chasing a historic repeat, and experienced mountain trainer Lauro Bonini, in his first summer at the helm of the white and blue team.

"In terms of the squad, it was a sort of year zero for us, and we far exceeded expectations," analyzed coach Lauro Bonini. "We're facing a team that knows each other by heart and has started a run of important results." Roma striker Francesco Casolla, who was decisive in the quarterfinals with a brace that defeated Baiso in a very tight match, has been confirmed at the center of the attack. He also retained the other wingers, starting with playmaker Carta, midfielder Caporali, stopper Gigli, and center-back Nobili. Forward Francesco Ametta welcomes back, reuniting the trio with the Stefano brothers, captain of the Pedecollinari, and playmaker Gabriele, while the versatile Margini is unavailable due to vacation.

"A double semifinal appearance for us is a historic achievement, achieved only in the 1970s, and we're reuniting with Borzanese after ten years, but back then it was a group stage match," said Biancorossi president Mauro Pigozzi. "There will certainly be plenty of excitement." There are some question marks for coach Filippo Canovi, who will be without former Cagliari midfielder Daniele Dessena, who is currently on the coaching staff of coach Leandro Greco, who has joined Pro Patria in Serie C. Both former professional defender Uggè and midfielder Maspero are doubtful. The presence of playmaker Spinola, who scored a remarkable brace in the tense quarterfinal against Castelnovo Capitale, and striker Ferrario, both of whom have become idols among the Biancorossi fans, are certain. The local squad has defender Luca Coli back, and the rest of the squad is likely to be the same as last Saturday. Iotti will referee, assisted by Marchetti and Baroni, with Lusetti as fourth official.

In the Under 15s (5 p.m.), Cerredolo and Leguigno will be chasing a spot in the final: the Toanese team, coached by young coach Galuppi, held Cervarezza to a draw and defeated him on penalties thanks to a save from goalkeeper Boschetti; Leguigno, one of this season's favorites, defeated Querciolese 3-0 in the long run, prevailing in the second half. De Carluccio will referee the match, assisted by De Francesco and Falcitano, while Lusetti remains the fourth official. In the event of a tie, both categories will go to extra time and possibly penalties.